Page 145 of Driftwood Daffodil 2

“Kato wouldn’t want this, and you know it.”

“Well, he’s not here to stop me now is he?”

“We’re just trying to take care of you.”

That was so funny I couldn’t help but snicker. “You’re doing a bang up job.”

Veda seemed genuinely surprised by my statement. “I’m trying, Nova.”

“No you’re not. You’re hiding. But don’t worry about it.” I stuck an earbud in my ear and pressed play. “I learned to take care of myself a long time ago.”

“Nova…”

Ugh, why couldn’t she just go away.

Veda tugged on the cord, popping my earbud out. “Will you please talk to me.”

“You want to talk? Okay. Why was Romeo here?”

“Will you let that go?”

No, I didn’t think I would. The whole purpose in making that deal was to keep my family safe. Not to have one of them show up here and threaten my sister. The only question was why? What advantage did scaring Veda give the Mancini’s. They never did anything unless it benefited them.

So, no, I would not let this go. Plus, I was pissed off and wanted to take it out on someone.

“What was he doing here, Veda?” I tried one last time.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Alright.” I got off the bed and snatched my sweater off the back of my door. “If you won’t tell me, then maybe Romeo will.”

Right after, I punch him in the face.

Veda followed when I stormed out.

“Nova please,” she plead. “Leave it alone.”

I stopped with my hand on the screen door and looked back at her. “Tell me what’s going on and I will.”

Maybe.

She just stood there, fidgeting nervously with her hands.

“No?” I asked, giving her one last chance.

When she remained silent, I nodded and headed out the door.

“Nova, stop.” Veda yelled after me.

“You had your chance.” I called back.

Veda could turn her back to everything if she wanted, but I’d be damned if I was going to let anybody traumatize my sister again. My family had been through enough, and I was done.

NOVALEE

My truck flew down street after street in a blur of traffic lights and unbridled anger. I couldn’t see past the rage boiling in my veins, or the need to take it out on someone. Someone like Romeo Mancini. Knowing that he showed up at my house and threatened my sister was enough to make me want to hurt him, but the gloomy tint in Veda’s eyes made me want to kill him.

My fingers tightened painfully around my steering wheel as I yanked my truck to the right.

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